Tralee Chamber welcomed the emphasis in the National Planning Framework (NPF) on brownfield development and the renewal and development of urban areas. The NPF aims to achieve a significant proportion of future urban development on infill/brownfield development sites within the footprint of existing urban areas. Its target is that 50% of all future population and jobs growth must take place within the existing ‘footprint’ of urban areas and their suburbs.
Tralee possesses strategic brownfield urban sites and under-utilised buildings for development, and key consideration must be given to redevelop these valuable lands appropriately within the current town centre to meet the RSES goals of increased residential and employment with a focus on the future of work opportunities.
Ireland’s future is one of increased urbanisation, and we must focus efforts on compact growth to accommodate more people living and working within the existing footprint of the urban area as well as fostering a developing a town community.
Student residential development should be prioritised in planning for existing ‘above the shop’ vacant properties in a coordinated manner in the town centre. This has the dual effect of not only bringing existing dwelling stock on to the market for public and private family housing, but also supporting the regeneration of vacant properties into modern shared living in the town. Also, this measure would support the integration of the growing student population into the town centre and bringing with it the social and economic benefit to the town. This should be undertaken in a co-ordinated manner with a Tralee specific night-time strategy to support the town’s evening economy.
Central community hubs for older people and independent living accommodation for people with disabilities should be included in the Development Plan. Centralised social, recreational and community support facilities, specifically geared towards the older population in Kerry. Proposed community hub facilities such as these are in-keeping with the ‘Slainte Care’ plan to encourage support within a community setting. These community hubs could be developed following on from the success of the district heating systems in-keeping with best practice of sustainable development. As a mix between public and private managed residence development, hubs such as these two would enable downsizing to occur, providing greater opportunity for family homes elsewhere in Tralee to become available rejuvenating older estates in the town.
Locations for potential community social living hubs include Balloonagh Convent, Cloonbeg, (Gael Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí